check engine SKODA RAPID 2012 1.G Owner's Manual

Auto Check Control
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 14.
Vehicle condition
Certain functions and conditions of individual vehicle systems are checked contin-
uously when the ignition is switched on and also while driving.
Some error messages and other information are displayed in the information dis-
play. The messages are displayed at the same time as the symbols in the informa-
tion display or the warning lights in the instrument cluster
» page 16.
If there is at least one error message, the menu item Vehicle status is displayed
in the menu. After selecting this menu, the first of the error messages is dis-
played. Several error messages are shown on the display under the message e.g.
1/3. This indicates that the first of a total of three error messages is being dis-
played.
Warning symbols
 Engine oil pressure too low
» page 18
 Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too
hot » page 16
 Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty
» page 18
 Problem with the engine oil pressure
» page 16Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot

A symbol  in the information display indicates that the temperature of the
clutches of the automatic gearbox is too high.
The following is displayed in the information display: Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's man.!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until the symbol  disappears –
risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as soon as the symbol dis-
appears.
Problem with the engine oil pressure 
If the symbol  is shown in the information display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. The information about the
maximum permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
ä WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37. Note
■ If warning messages are shown in the information display, you need to confirm
these messages with the button B
» Fig. 6 on page 14 in order to call up the
main menu. ■ As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver. Ð Warning lights
Overview
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
When switching on the ignition, some indicator lights illuminate briefly as a func-
tion test. These indicator lights will disappear several seconds after the vehicle is
started.
 Handbrake
» page 17
 Brake system
» page 17
 Seat belt warning light
» page 18
 Generator
» page 18
 Open door
» page 18£16
Using the system



Engine oil
» page 18
  Coolant temperature/coolant level
» page 19
 Power steering
» page 19
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
» page 19
 Traction control (TCS)
» page 20
 Antilock brake system (ABS)
» page 20
 Rear fog light
» page 20
 Bulb failure
» page 20
 Exhaust inspection system
» page 20
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
» page 21
 EPC fault light (petrol engine)
» page 21
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
» page 21
 Fuel reserve
» page 21
 Airbag system
» page 22
 Tyre control display
» page 22
 Windscreen washer fluid level
» page 22
 Turn signal (left/right)
» page 22 
Fog lights
» page 22
 Speed regulating system
» page 22
 Selector lever lock
» page 22
 Main beam
» page 23 WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 126, Engine compartment . Ð Handbrake 
The warning light  comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Release parking brake! Ð Brake system 
The warning light  illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 132. £
17
Instruments and Indicator Lights

WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level »
page 126, Engine compartment .
■ If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 20, Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. ■ A fault to the braking system or the ABS system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident! ÐSeat belt warning light 
The indicator light  comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20

km/h and simulta-
neously the indicator light  flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the indicator light  lights up
permanently. ÐDynamo 
If the warning light lights up  when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA

specialist garage. The electrical system requires check-
ing. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37, Switches for the hazard warning light system . CAUTION
If the warning light  (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light  when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the engine off –
risk of engine damage! Ð Open door 
The warning light  comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37. Ð Engine oil 

The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 129.
Even if the oil level is correct,  do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
The warning light  lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 129.
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km. £
18 Using the system

The warning light
 flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following is displayed in the information display:
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes  several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37. ÐCoolant temperature/coolant level 

The indicator light  lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 1)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light  lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
The following is displayed in the information display:
Check coolant! Owner's manual!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 130,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 131.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 159, Replacing the fuses in the engine com-
partment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light   does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37.
■ Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cooling
system is pressurized – risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.
■ Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off. Ð Power steering 
If the indicator light  lights up, there is a fault in the power steering system.
The power steering operates with reduced steering assist or does not function at
all.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after you start the engine, the ESC
might be switched off due to technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on
again. If the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on,
the ESR is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ESC.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
or Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 72, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) .£1)
Not valid for vehicles with information display.
19
Instruments and Indicator Lights

Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go out after
driving a short distance. ÐTraction control system (TCS) 
The warning light flashes  to show that the ASR is currently operating.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ASR
can be switched off for technical reasons. Switch the ignition off and on again. If
the warning light does not light up after you switch the engine back on, the ASR
is fully functional again.
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ASR.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: traction control (ASR)
Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Further information » page 73, Traction control (ASR) . ÐAntilock brake system (ABS) 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the ABS.
The following is displayed in the information display: Error: ABS
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 37.
■ If the warning light  » page 17
is lit simultaneously with warning light ,
 do not continue your journey! Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – risk of accident! Ð The rear fog light 
The warning light  comes on when the rear fog lights are operating » page 35.Ð Bulb failure 
The warning light  comes on if a bulb is faulty:
› within a few seconds of the ignition being switched on;
› when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following is displayed in the information display: Check front-right dipped beam! Note
The rear side lights and the licence plate lighting have several light bulbs. The in-
dicator light  only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the
parking light (in one rear light) are defective. For this reason, regular check that
these light bulbs are working correctly. Ð Exhaust inspection system 
If the warning light  lights up, there is a fault in the exhaust inspection system.
The engine control unit allows the vehicle to run in emergency mode.
Seek help from a

ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
20 Using the system

The windshield wipers and the windshield washer system only operate if the igni-
tion is switched on.
The rear window is wiped once if the windscreen wipers are on when reverse
gear is selected.
Top up with windscreen wiper fluid
» page 132.WARNING
■ Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility
and safe driving » page 41. ■ Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front. CAUTION
■ In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or before
switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen.
If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are frozen to the
windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wiper motor!
■ If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on, the
windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the ignition is
turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold temperatures be-
tween the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned back on again.
■ Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
■ Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■ If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to the
windscreen.
■ Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons.
These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ The ignition must not be switched on if the front windscreen wiper arms are fol-
ded out. The wiper blades would move back into their rest position and while do-
ing so damage the paintwork of the bonnet. Note
■ Keep the wiper blades clean. The wiper blades can become soiled with wax resi-
dues after washing in automatic vehicle wash systems » page 118.
■ On vehicles equipped with washer nozzles for the windscreen, these are heated
when the engine is running. Ð Activating the windscreen wipers and washers
Fig. 28
Windscreen wiper lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Flick wipe
› If you only wish to wipe the windscreen
briefly, push the lever into the spring-
tensioned position 4
» Fig. 28
.
Periodic wiping
› Position the lever upwards into position 1
» Fig. 28
.
› Set the desired break between the individual wiper strokes with the switch A
.
Slow wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 2
» Fig. 28
.
Fast wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 3
» Fig. 28
.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
› Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into the spring-tensioned position 5
» Fig. 28, the wash system and the windshield wipers will operate.
› Release the lever. The windscreen wash system stops and the wiper continues
for another 1 – 3 wiper strokes (depending on the period of spraying of the
windscreen).
Wiping the rear window pane
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position 6
» Fig. 28 and the
windscreen wipers will operate regularly after a few seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into the spring-tensioned position 7
» Fig. 28, the windshield wiper and wash system will operate.
£
ä
40 Using the system

Replacing the rear window glass wiper blades
Fig. 30
Rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Removing the wiper blade
› Raise the windscreen wiper arm from the rear window and slightly tilt the
windscreen wiper blade towards the wiper arm, arrow A
» Fig. 30
.
› Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
› Unlock the locking button 1
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of ar-
row B
.
Attaching the wiper blade
› Push the windscreen wiper blade until the stop and it locks in place.
› Check that the wiper blade is correctly attached.
› Fold the wiper arm back to the windscreen. ÐRear window
Manual dimming interior mirror
Basic setting
› Pull the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror forward.
Dimming mirror
› Push the lever on the bottom edge of the mirror backwards. Ð
ä Exterior mirror
Fig. 31
Inner part of door: Rotary knob
Adjust the rear mirror before commencing to drive so that there is a clear view to
the rear.
Heating of the external mirror
› Place the rotary knob into the position
 » Fig. 31.
Adjusting the left-hand exterior mirror
› Place the rotary knob into the position
 » Fig. 31. The movement of the mirror
surface is identical to the movement of the rotary knob.
Adjusting the right-hand exterior mirror
› Place the rotary knob into the position
 » Fig. 31. The movement of the mirror
surface is identical to the movement of the rotary knob. WARNING
■ Convex (curved outward) exterior mirrors increase the field of vision. They
do, however, make objects appear smaller in the mirror. These mirrors are
therefore only of limited use for estimating distances to the following vehi-
cles.
■ Whenever possible use the interior mirror for estimating the distances to
the following vehicles. Note
■ The exterior mirror heater only operates when the engine is running.
■ Do not touch the surface of the exterior mirrors if the exterior mirror heater is
switched on. £
42 Using the system

Heating and air conditioning system
Heating and air conditioning system
Introductory information
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The well-being of the occupants of the car is enhanced as a result of
this particularly at high outside temperatures and a high air humidity. The system
prevents the windows misting up during the cold season of the year.
It is possible to briefly activate recirculated air mode to enhance the cooling ef-
fect.
The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free of ice, snow or leaves to en-
sure that the heating and cooling system operates properly.
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air condi-
tioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is quite normal
and not an indication of a leak! WARNING
■ For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting. Please familiarize yourself about how
to correctly operate the heating and ventilation systems, how to demist and
defrost the windows, as well as with the cooling mode.
■ Do not leave recirculated air mode on over a longer period of time, as “stale”
air can cause fatigue of the driver and passengers, reduce attention levels and
also cause the windows to mist up. The risk of having an accident increases.
Switch off recirculated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up. Note
■ The used air streams out through the vents in the boot.
■ We recommend that you do not smoke in the vehicle when the recirculating air
mode is operating since the smoke which is drawn at the evaporator from the in-
terior of the vehicle forms deposits in the evaporator of the air conditioning sys- tem. This produces a permanent odour when the air conditioning system is oper-
ating which can only be eliminated through considerable effort and expense (re-
placement of compressor). ■ To ensure that the heating and air conditioning systems work properly, do not
block up the air outlet vents with any objects. Ð Using the air conditioning system economically
The compressor on the air conditioning system uses power from the engine when
in cooling mode which will effect the fuel consumption.
It recommended to open the windows or the doors of a vehicle for which the inte-
rior has been strongly heated through the effect of direct sunlight in order to al-
low the heated air to escape.
The cooling system should not be switched on while travelling when the window
is open.
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the
cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected. For the sake of the environment
Pollutant emissions are also reduced when fuel is saved. Ð Operational problems
If the cooling system does not operate at outside temperatures higher than +5 °C,
there is a problem in the system. The reasons for this may be.
› One of the fuses has blown. Check the fuse and replace if necessa-
ry »
page 156 .
› The cooling system has switched off automatically for a short time because the
coolant temperature of the engine is too hot » page 9.
If you cannot rectify the functional fault yourself, or the cooling capacity decrea-
ses, the cooling system must be switched off. Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
59
Heating and air conditioning system

Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the steering wheel position 69
Power steering 69
Electronic immobiliser 69
Ignition lock 70
Starting engine 70
Switching off the engine 70
WARNING
■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when the
vehicle is stationary!
■ Maintain a distance of 25 cm 1
to the steering wheel
» Fig. 62 on page 69
–  . Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system
will not be able to properly protect you – hazard!
■ The lever for adjusting the steering wheel must be locked whilst driving so
that the position of the steering wheel cannot accidently change during the
journey – risk of accident!
■ If the steering wheel is adjusted further towards the head, the protection
provided by the driver airbag in the event of an accident is reduced. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest. ■ When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3
o'clock position. Never hold the steering wheel in
the 12 o'clock position or in any other way (e.g. in the middle or inner edge of
the steering wheel). In such cases, you could severely injure the arms, hands
and head when the driver airbag is deployed.
■ When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 70 (ignition switched on) without the engine running. This position is
indicated by the warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result
in unexpected locking of the steering wheel – risk of accident! WARNING (Continued)
■ Only pull the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has come
to a complete stop (by applying the handbrake). Otherwise the steering wheel
could block – risk of accident!
■ When leaving the vehicle, the ignition must always be removed. This is par-
ticularly important if children are left in the vehicle. Otherwise the children
could, for example, start the engine – risk of accident or injury!
■ Never leave the engine running in unventilated or closed rooms. The ex-
haust gases of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon
monoxide a poisonous gas – hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause uncon-
sciousness and death. ■ Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running.
■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
■ You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is
turned to full lock when the vehicle is stationary. Turning the steering to full lock
in such a situation will be accompanied by noises. Never leave the steering wheel
at full lock for more than 15

seconds when the engine is running – risk of damag-
ing the power steering!
■ The starter may only be operated (ignition key position 3
» Fig. 63 on
page 70), if the engine is not running. The starter or engine can be damaged if
the starter is activated when the engine is running. ■ Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts otherwise the starter
could be damaged. ■ Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its operating temperature – risk of damaging the en-
gine!
■ Do not tow start the engine – danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage the catalytic converter. The battery from an-
other vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 152, Jump-starting.
■ Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1

minute. This prevents any possible accumulation
of heat when the engine is switched off. £
68 Using the system

For the sake of the environment
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start your
journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this the engine reaches its
operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emissions are lower. Note
■ The engine can only be started with a genuine ŠKODA key with the matching
code. ■ The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after
starting the cold engine. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem. ■ After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10
minutes.
■ If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel
pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace, if necessary » page 157,
Fuses in the dash panel

or seek assistance from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ We recommend locking the steering wheel
whenever leaving the vehicle. This
acts as a deterrent against the attempted theft of your car. ÐAdjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 62
Adjustable steering wheel: Lever below the steering column/safe
distance to the steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The height and forward/back position of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
First of all adjust the driver's seat
» page 44, Front seats.
› Pull the lever below the steering wheel down
» Fig. 62 – .
ä ›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position (with regard to the height and
forward/back position).
› Push the lever upwards to the stop. Ð Power steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
The power steering enables you to steer the vehicle with less physical force.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehicle if the power steering fails or if the en-
gine is not running (vehicle being towed in). However, greater physical effort is
required to turn the steering wheel. Ð Electronic immobiliser
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
An electronic chip is integrated in the head of the key. The immobiliser is deacti-
vated with the aid of this chip when the key is inserted in the ignition lock. The
electronic immobiliser is automatically activated when the ignition key is with-
drawn from the lock.
The engine will not start if a non-authorized ignition key is used.
The following is displayed in the information display: Immobilizer active. Ð
ä
ä
69
Starting-off and Driving